28-Do you not know or have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. 29-He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. 30-Though young men faint and grow weary and youths stagger and fall, 31-They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.

Matthew 11:28-30 (New American Bible)

Jesus Speaking

28-"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29-"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. 30-For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

PrayersThe Lord is my Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters;

He restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths for his name's sake

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil; for you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence

of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

—Psalm 23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Patient’s Prayer

Loving God, in quietness and confidence I entrust my life to Your keeping. Speak peace to my heart that I may be calm. Give me strength. Help me to be receptive to all that may be done for me. Above all, make me open to the comforting presence of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer In The Morning

God of all hope, whatever happens during this day is in your hands. Strengthen me in my weakness, give skill to those who minister to me, and grant me confidence and faith in your healing power. Amen.

Prayer Before Surgery

God of healing, I commit myself with trust into Your loving hands. Watch over me and protect me in surgery. Grant that, as I become unconscious to earthly things, my thoughts may be turned to You. Bless and guide the hands, minds and efforts of my surgical team, that through their efforts, Your healing power may restore me to health and strength. Bless those who care for me as I return to consciousness. Calm my relatives and friends as they wait for my recovery. Grant me the strength sufficient for whatever I may face. Amen.

Prayer of Healing

Dear Jesus, I believe you have designed and created me therefore you can also repair and restore me. In the comfort of your love I pour out to you the memories that haunt me, the anxieties that perplex me, the fears that stifle me, and the sickness that prevails upon me. I confess my frustration in dealing with the emotional, physical and spiritual pain of my life. Help me envision your gentle touch upon my being as you tenderly enclose me in your arms. Give me inner sight to see you as my companion along every step of my earthly journey. I trust your tender care will yield peace to my mind, serenity to my heart, renewal to my spirit and healing to my body. For all the ways you are already answering my prayers, I give you praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Consider contacting Pastoral Services when:

You are feeling anxious fearful or worried

You receive bad news

You face difficult decisions

You have a new diagnosis or a recurrence of a chronic condition

You are facing challenging changes to your lifestyle or new limitations

You are feeling overwhelmed, angry, frustrated or hopeless

You feel isolated or lonely

You are plagued by guilt or regret

You have spiritual questions or doubts

You are feeling distant from God

You are having trouble sorting out your feelings

You want someone to pray with you

You are struggling with the meaning of your life or your illness

You desire spiritual support as you undergo medical or surgical treatment

You are facing questions about life and death

You are having trouble coping with your loved one’s illness

You are grieving over a loss

You want to find healing for family issues

You are seeking encouragement through scripture or religious sacraments

You need information about community religious congregations

You want help contacting someone to support you

You need support after a loss, i.e., grief counseling, funeral arrangements, etc.